Jonathan Papelbon | Relief Pitcher

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Jonathan Papelbon tossed a scoreless ninth in Thursday afternoon's 1-0 win over the Marlins, locking down his first save since being traded from the Phillies on June 28.

Everything went according to plan. Former closer Drew Storen entered in the eighth inning and struck out two of the three batters he faced, then handed the 1-0 lead over to Papelbon, who worked a scoreless final frame while striking out one. Storen might not be happy about losing his job, but if he can set aside his personal feelings, the Nationals' new combination for the eighth and ninth could be lethal. Prior to the trade, Paps was pitching to a 1.59 ERA and 40/8 K/BB ratio over 39 2/3 innings. He's now a perfect 18-for-18 in save chances between his two teams. Jul 30 - 3:17 PM

He'll slide into the closer role for the Nats, pushing Drew Storen to the eighth inning. Papelbon also agreed to drop his 2016 salary from $13 million to $11 million in order to have the vesting option exercised, so he's under contract through next season. Ken Giles will take over as the Phillies' closer. Jul 28 - 8:14 PM

According to FOX Sports' Jon Morosi, a trade sending Jonathan Papelbon to the Nationals has been "agreed upon."

MLB.com's Todd Zolecki says the Phillies will receive pitching prospect Nick Pivetta in the deal. Papelbon is expected to take over as the Nationals' closer, pushing Drew Storen into a setup role. The reliever agreed to drop his 2016 salary from $13 million to $11 million in order to have the vesting option exercised. Jul 28 - 5:51 PM

Jim Bowden of ESPN reports that the Nationals are "at the finish line" on a trade for Jonathan Papelbon.

Bowden adds that the Phillies' return will be a Double-A pitcher. It sounds like an official announcement is coming soon on this deal. Papelbon has said that he wants to remain a closer and his no-trade clause allows him to uphold that demand, so Drew Storen is going to take a big hit here for fantasy purposes. Jul 28 - 5:16 PM

The outfielder has thus far been working on strengthening his core, but will soon progress to swinging and fielding drills. He will need a minor league rehab assignment to get his timing back, but could be able to return to the Nationals lineup in early August if he avoids any further setbacks.

Nate McLouth continues to experience soreness in his surgically-repaired right shoulder.

McLouth was placed on the disabled list before Opening Day with a torn labrum and he's obviously nowhere close to making his 2015 debut. Washington officially shifted the outfielder from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list earlier this month.

Stephen Strasburg (oblique) will make another rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Monday.

Strasburg allowed three runs on four hits over four innings in his first rehab outing Wednesday. As long as he doesn't have a physical setback on Monday, he'll rejoin the Nationals' rotation late next week.

David Carpenter (shoulder) will be shut down for 2-3 days after being given a pain-killing injection.

An MRI on Carpenter's right shoulder showed no structural damage, but the shot was administered in hopes of getting the soreness out of there. There's no timetable for his return, although he shouldn't be out long.

This was done as nothing more than a procedural move to create a spot on the 40-man roster for Joe Ross who will start on Saturday. Stammen will miss the entire 2015 season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right flexor tendon.